Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!
⛅ Today’s weather: Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 47 and low of 35.
☔ Tomorrow: Rain throughout the day. High of 51 and low of 36. Sunrise at 7:21 am and sunset at 5:21 pm.
🚨 You need to know
Gary Oelze, longtime owner of legendary music venue The Birchmere, has died at 80 years old, Zebra first reported.
Oelze was hired as a manager at a restaurant in Shirlington that would reopen as The Birchmere in 1966. It was a successful lunch business, Zebra wrote, but Oelze added the music focus to boost nighttime business. Oelze even played in the restaurant’s first band.
Over time, the venue would grow to become legendary in the music world and continues to be Alexandria’s most prominent musical venue.
REST IN PEACE GARY OELZE FOUNDER, LEADER, FRIEND 1943-2023
OBITUARY: Gary Oelze, 80, Visionary Owner of The Birchmere Music Hall, Dies https://t.co/eRA0MoCVUj
— The Birchmere (@thebirchmere) January 23, 2023
📈 Monday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Jan 23, 2023.
- Notes: Widening planned for Alexandria and Arlington portion of Mount Vernon Trail (975 views)
- With Alexandria seeing more residential development conversions, city leaders discuss pushing for greater ‘voluntary’ contributions (595 views)
- Alexandria teachers want smaller classes and bigger raises (534 views)
- Bonaventure puts former Del Ray gas station and office space on market for $3.3 million | ALXnow (364 views)
🗞 Other local coverage
- New Deli to Open on King Street in February
Alexandria Living (Monday @ 10:28 pm)
- Dr. Vivek Sinha Informs Public About Prevalent Winter Respiratory Illnesses
Zebra (Monday @ 9:51 pm)
- Birchmere owner Gary Oelze dies at 80
Alexandria Times (Monday @ 9:37 pm)
- Local Surrealism Tattoo Artist Welcomes Miami Guest Artist to Studio February 18-25
Zebra (Monday @ 8:50 pm)
- In Need of Special Education Teachers, ACPS Partners With GWU for New Program
Zebra (Monday @ 4:40 pm)
- Why Does History Matter? Send Historic Alexandria Your Thoughts in Annual Survey
Zebra (Monday @ 3:29 pm)
- OBITUARY: Gary Oelze, 80, Visionary Owner of The Birchmere Music Hall, Dies
Zebra (Monday @ 3:07 pm)
- Some Alexandria Services Moving To New Mark Center Facility
Patch (Monday @ 3:01 pm)
- Collective Bargaining Agreement Funds Up For City Council Approval
Patch (Monday @ 10:50 am)
🐦 Tweets of note
Ting is authorized to place their infrastructure in the City's public right-of-way. Equipment cannot be installed on private property without expressed consent from the owner. For concerns regarding Ting Internet, please submit an Alex311 Service Request; https://t.co/Wbj5WSsowA pic.twitter.com/4vnJU6B3Lf
— Alexandria Transportation & Environmental Services (@AlexandriaVATES) January 23, 2023
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
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About Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT): Latinas Leading Tomorrow is a dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young Latina women through education, mentorship, and leadership development. We are committed to fostering a community of future leaders who will make a significant impact to the community.
Job Description: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Part-time Executive Director to lead our organization into its next phase of growth and impact. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who can oversee day-to-day operations, drive fundraising efforts, and cultivate relationships with stakeholders. This is a 1099 position; Remote position with ability to attend DMV events; 8-10 hours a week; $35-40/per hour.
Key Responsibilities:

Get ready to Shake, Rattle and Roll with this one-of-a-kind, high-octane rockabilly concert experience! Rockabilly Rumble is the all-new, musical experience celebrating the southern rock music that exploded on the scene in the 1950s. Organized by Alexandria City High School Alum and pro-musician Sam C. Jones, this band of world-class performers will have you dancing in your Blue Suede Shoes all night long with songs made famous by Bo Ridley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and more. Relive their most popular hits, along with some forgotten gems. “Rockabilly Rumble” is a dance-worthy, foot stomping evening you’ll never forget!
This show is 21+ only.
YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PHYSICAL ID. A PICTURE OF YOUR ID IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Christmas Through The Ages
Christmas Through The Ages – Join the Washington Men’s Camerata, and Guest Director Scott Tucker for a program of Christmas and holiday music spanning the centuries through today, featuring the music of Bach, Lauridsen, Abbie Betinis, and many others.